Bullet Points for the 2013 Tennessee Titans

by Stoney Keeley

credit image to Titansonline.com

*What will a full season in Dowell Loggains' offense mean? After the headache-inducing offense that was Chris Palmer's, those around the Titans facility claim that Loggains has installed a much more simple system that will greatly benefit a quarterback like Jake Locker. Palmer's system required extreme discipline and timing. Unfortunately, if a play didn't develop perfectly as planned, this caused for confusion. Expect that confusion to disappear.

*Will Chris Johnson & Shonn Greene form Smash & Dash Version 2.0? Like it or not, Chris Johnson was at his best when he had LenDale White to share the backfield with. Greene is known for skills similar to White's, making this one of the NFL's most intriguing backfields to watch.

*This is arguably the best corps of receivers to take the field in Nashville. Loggains has expressed his desire to keep seven receivers on the roster, though we all know that the offensive coordinator doesn't necessarily make the final decision on roster cuts. If this were to happen, you're likely seven would be: Kenny Britt, Nate Washington, Kendall Wright, Justin Hunter, Damian Williams, Marc Mariani, and Michael Preston (who is getting good reviews in training camp). Keep in mind, Kevin Walter is a Titan, though he'll likely be placed on the PUP list. Assuming Britt stays healthy, and Hunter develops as expected, this is going to make for one formidable offense if...

*Jake Locker has to show tremendous improvement. In a make-or-break year for this regime, will he be able to improve knowing he now holds the reigns? This is his first season without a enduring a quarterback battle, so he must show that he is capable of being a leader and gaining his teammates' trust.

*While we're talking about offense....is Delanie Walker ready to be a starter in the NFL? He made some big plays in San Francisco. Now it's time to see if he can answer the bell in what is primed to be a good offense for a tight end to be in. Sure, he's banged up now, but he looks to be okay for the start of the season. If he goes down for an extended amount of time, the Titans may be in trouble at the position. Craig Stephens (one of the NFL's best blocking tight ends) is listed on the depth chart at Fullback, leaving only 2nd-year project, Taylor Thompson behind Delanie Walker.

*FINALLY! Chance Warmack signs and gets out on the field. This solidifies what looks like a potential NFL-best offensive line....on paper at least. With Andy Levitre coming to Nashville, and the bookend duo of Stewart & Roos, the only question mark here is Center. Even at that position, the Titans drafted early and brought in plenty of competition to ensure a quality starter.

*What will the impact of Gregg Williams' return to the Titans be? Will the idea of "Co-Defensive Coordinators" work, and will he be calling the plays? Or, is Jerry Gray going to remain in that position? Will Williams' style translate to this team the way it did to the Super Bowl-winning New Orleans Saints of 2009? This is arguably the biggest question involving the defense.

*Who is going to win the 2nd cornerback position opposite Jason McCourty? Right now, the favorite would be Alterraun Verner, with Tommie Campbell earning the first crack at his spot. Both have seen significant time at the position in training camp. Both have looked good in those spots. Outside contenders for the job are rookie Blidi Wreh-Wilson and 2nd-year man, Coty Sensabaugh. All four will be utilized this season.

*The direction of the pass rush is still unknown. We all know Gregg William's system...aggressive, get-to-the-quarterback-and-cause-a-turnover football! But where exactly is this going to come from? The linebacking corps of Akeem Ayers, Zach Brown, and Colin McCarthy are among the league's best young groups, but are they going to be able to create significant pressure? Will the pass rush instead be generated by the defensive line? Sammie Hill is causing a stir on the line, with Derrick Morgan and Kamerion Wimbley being counted on for pressure as well. I'd say it's going to come from all levels of the defense, including the secondary.

*Speaking of which, all of the talk involving the secondary to this point in training camp deals with Bernard Pollard's influence on the group. He brings a nasty, rough identity to the group that has been rubbing off on the entire defense. This is a good thing considering the young Titans defense hasn't had a clear leader for the past couple of seasons. His zestful enthusiasm personifies the Gregg Williams philosophy, and will translate well for the group.

*Overall, expect a decent team that will be competitive in most games. The youthful Titans are still another good draft class away from being a legitimate playoff contender. This looks like a team capable of either winning six games, or losing ten. I'm predicting somewhere in between....8-8 or 9-7.